Illinois passes 3-foot passing law

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation sent along the following announcement today:

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - GOV SIGNS 3-FOOT PASSING BILL INTO LAW

Motorists in Illinois must pass bicyclists with at least three feet of room thanks to Gov. Blagojevich's signature on Senate Bill 80 yesterday.

This measure was supported by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and led by our partner organization, the League of Illinois Bicyclists. It's a significant victory for bicycling statewide.

The law, effective immediately, amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to also provide that bicyclists may signal a right-hand turn with their right arms.

In addition, the law states that a bicyclist is to ride as close to the right-hand curb as practicable and safe. The law previously provided that they ride as close as possible.

This also means that the bicyclist is not required to ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge as practicable and safe when the rider is approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.

Please pass on this update to your driving and cycling friends. If you have any questions about the new law or other legislation related to bicycling, please contact David Callahan at david@biketraffic.org or 312-427-3325, ext 288.

You can find more information on this legislation here.

[Thanks to John S for the news tip . . . ]